PICO Health and Safety Notice

Last Updated: October 11, 2024


Your health and safety is important to us. Please carefully read this notice before using the PICO device and follow the safety requirements to avoid personal injuries and property damages to the extent possible.
You should fully understand the respective safety systems for each of Home Space Safeguard, MR Safeguard and VR Safeguard, as further explained in this notice. Always ensure that your surrounding environment is clear and safe before using the device.
If more than one user will use this device, each user must read this notice and be familiar with the safety measures in place. If you allow other users to use your device, please remind other users to read this notice. If you select to turn off certain safety system, you must warn such other users before such users use your device.
For more information on health and safety, you can visit https://www.picoxr.com/global/safety-center and read our Safety Warranty Guide.


1. Health
You must be at least 13 or above to use the PICO device. For certain jurisdictions, the minimum age may be higher.
Virtual reality or mixed reality experience may not be the best fit for everyone. If you are pregnant, elderly, or have serious physical, vision, or heart conditions, or sometimes are subconscious or have involuntary movements, or have seizures or any other existing medical problems, you should talk to and obtain approval from a doctor or other medical professional before using the PICO device. Some people may feel dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded, or experience disorientation, blurred vision, facial or limb spasms, or other epileptic-like symptoms when using the device. People with photosensitive epilepsy could have seizures, unconsciousness or serious dizziness triggered by flashing or blinking displays. If you experience any discomfort, stop using the device immediately.
Make sure to take regular breaks when using the device. We recommend that you wear this device for no more than 30 minutes at a time, and if you experience discomfort, you should adjust and increase the frequency and duration of breaks as needed, with each break lasting no less than 10 minutes.
The materials used in this device may cause allergic skin reactions in some users. Discontinue your use of the device and seek medical advice if any irritation develops.


2. Safety
2.1. General Safety Requirements
Please use the device in a safe space and only use it indoor.

• Your visual and auditory perception of the surrounding environment may be limited when using the PICO device. Allow adequate space all around and above you to ensure a safe play space before starting.
• Be aware of any potential tripping hazards and people, children or pets, or other moving objects that may inadvertently enter the play space.
• Do not use this device for any activities requiring full attention and safety, such as driving or sports.
• The device will detect obstacles but will not be able to detect all obstacles. The system may give you warning of potential collision. But even if the system warns you, you may not have enough time to avoid the collision (e.g., if you move at a high speed). Always use caution to avoid injury!
• If you are uncertain about the safety of the play space, please immediately cease using the device and inspect the surrounding environment (e.g., taking off your headset to inspect, turning on the video-see-through feature to inspect (e.g., taking the short cut method by double tapping the headset)*). Please also inspect the surrounding environment and ensure the safety before you experience immersive virtual reality. Please use the "video-see-through" (VST) feature cautiously, as it has limitations compared to natural vision - the display may be less clear, have a narrower field of view, and have slight delays. **The real-world representation in terms of distance, position, and color may not be entirely accurate.
• Outdoor use is not recommended, as outdoor environments have additional unpredictable hazards like uneven surfaces, variable lighting, bad weather conditions and the potential for unexpected obstacles. The device's safety features may also not function properly outdoors (e.g., certain safety feature may not work outdoors or may not trace your location or motion timely).

Do not use the device with the sound at a high volume which may impact the system warning. Adjust your sound volume so that you can always remain aware of your surroundings.
Avoid using the device in hot environments above 29°C, as prolonged exposure may cause overheating, leading to the shutdown of certain functions like VST feature and motion tracking, creating safety risks.
Choose content carefully, as immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences (e.g., horror games or sports applications) can trigger strong physical and psychological reactions, such as sudden movements, broad-scale movement, or discomfort. Assess your abilities and start with gentler applications if new to VR.
*Note: PICO Neo3 and earlier versions of PICO device do not have short cut method to activate VST feature.
**Note: Only PICO 4 and certain newer versions of PICO device have color VST feature.


2.2. PICO Safeguard System
In general, PICO device applies three main safeguard systems for the Home Space, VR applications and MR applications, respectively. These are set out below. *
*Note: Earlier versions (e.g., PICO 4, PICO Neo 3, etc.) only have VR Safeguard system for all use scenarios.
You may check the current safety system in effect in "Home – Dock – Control Center".
Virtual environment, windows, content or interfaces may block your view of the real-world environment. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with PICO's safeguard systems and follow the safety guidelines and notices to use the PICO device carefully to mitigate the risk of collisions or other personal injuries.


2.2.1. Home Space Safeguard
Home Space is the home screen of your PICO headset. Each time you turn on the headset, you will enter the Home Space first. Neither the VR safeguard nor the MR safeguard will be enabled when you are in the Home Space. You may not be able to see your physical surroundings in the virtual environment or areas obscured by app windows, so it is important to familiarize yourself with PICO's Home Space Safeguard system and exercise caution to prevent collisions while in the Home Space.

• When Home Space safeguard will take effect: The Home Space safeguard is only active when you are in the Home Space. In the Home Space, neither the VR nor MR Safeguard systems are activated. When you enter an immersive VR or MR game or application, the Home Space safeguard will no longer be in effect, as other safeguards applicable for the relevant VR or MR game will take effect instead.
• Default Virtual Environment Safety Circle will be in effect: By default, there will be a virtual environment safety circle in effect when you're in the Home Space. In the Home Space, if there are virtual environment displays, please ensure that you only use the headset in a small designated area in the environment center while remaining stationary. When the system detects that you've moved beyond the area, it will display your real-world environment to you as a warning. However, please note that this safety feature only applies to virtual environment, it does not extend to virtual app windows displayed in the Home Space. If there is virtual app window displayed in the Home Space, we suggest that you use the device in a stationary position or within a very limited space to protect your safety. Even then, you should always be aware of your real-world environment, as they may be partially obscured by the virtual window. To mitigate the risk of collisions, do not move towards any areas that are blocked from your view by the virtual windows.
• Safety Reminder: When the virtual environment occupies a relatively large part of the space, or when the environment center has been reset, the system will activate the Home Space Safeguard reminder. The ground boundary of the safety circle will flash, indicating the current location and range of the safety circle, so that you can adjust your position and check for potential hazards. Please note that the safety circle for the Home Space will not light up when approached, so make sure your surroundings are safe at all times and remain stationary within the designated area.
• Please remain aware of your surroundings at all times: Please note that the physical surroundings displayed on your screen is an image recorded on the headset cameras and may not accurately reflect the distance and position of real-world objects. Therefore, when you're in the Home Space, please be extremely careful and pay very close attention to your surroundings (such as the people, children, animals, and objects around you). Stay away from hazardous objects (e.g., windows, stairs, balcony, glass, sharp objects) , and try to remain stationary while using the headset.
• Ensure the safety of the play area: Please use the PICO headset indoors only. When you're in the Home Space, avoid rapid movements or quickly swinging your limbs. Before using the headset, please make sure your play area is safe and remove all hazards and obstructions that are unsuited for interaction in the Home Space, such as liquids, heat sources or sharp objects. Please refrain from using this device in situations that require full or more attention, such as when driving vehicles or engaging in outdoor activities.
• Interacting Safely: Before using the Home Space, please read and strictly follow the safety instructions and system guidelines. Correctly place the real-world objects you intend to use in the Home Space, and interact with them cautiously.
• For more settings, you can go to "Settings – Safeguard" to customize your settings.

2.2.2. MR Safeguard
Mixed Reality ("MR") describes the experience in which you are able to see your physical surroundings as well as virtual objects and environments, and interact with real-life and virtual objects simultaneously in some MR apps. When virtual displays obscure parts of the real environment, you may not be able to see the physical surroundings. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with PICO's MR Safeguard system, and use the MR features cautiously according to the safety guidelines to avoid collisions.

• When MR safety system will take effect: The MR Safeguard is only active in certain MR apps, while VR Safeguard is used in other apps and Home Space Safeguard in the Home Space. To see the currently active safeguard mode, click the controller Home button and go to "Dock" > "Control Center".
• Safety Reminder: In the apps enabling MR Safeguard, the system will automatically detect walls or other objects in the real-world environment, and reveal them on your virtual display as you approach them to help you stay safe.
• Please remain aware of your surroundings at all times: Please note that the physical surroundings displayed on your screen is an image recorded on the headset cameras and may not accurately reflect the distance and position of real-world objects. Additionally, the MR safeguard has limited capability to detect certain objects or hazards in the real environment, such as transparent, reflective, dark-colored or low-reflective materials, as well as distant or fast-moving objects. Therefore, when using the MR features, please be mindful of your surroundings, other people or animals, stay away from hazardous objects, and try to remain stationary while using the headset.
• Ensure the safety of the play area: Please use the PICO headset indoors only. When using the MR features, avoid rapid movements or quickly swinging your limbs. Before using the headset, ensure that your play area is safe and remove all hazards and obstructions that are unsuited for interaction in MR environments, such as liquids, heat sources or sharp objects. Please refrain from using this device in situations that require full or more attention, such as when driving vehicles or engaging in outdoor activities.
• Interacting Safely: Before using the MR features, please read and strictly follow the safety instructions and system guidelines. Correctly place the real-world objects you intend to use in MR, and interact with them cautiously.
• For more settings, such as the sensitivity of Collision Alert, you can go to "Settings" > "Safeguard" to customize your settings.

2.2.3. VR Safeguard
When wearing the headset, you will not be able to see your physical surroundings in some apps. These apps use the VR Play Boundary to ensure your safety. The system will guide you to define the boundary for a space for your activity in the real world, the boundary of which is referred to as VR Play Boundary. You will be alerted when you approach the boundary edge, which helps you stay within your defined safe area to avoid collisions.

• Ensure the safety of your play area: Please use the PICO headset indoors only. Before using the headset, please make sure your defined play area is safe by removing all hazards and obstructions, such as ceiling fans or light fixtures within the space or above it. Your play area should include a buffer area to prevent you from getting too close to walls or furniture. Additionally, please ensure that you can extend your arms within your play area without coming into contact with any furniture or people. Please note that the headset may not be able to detect other people or pets within the Play Boundary. To avoid collisions or harm, ensure that no people or pets will pass through your play area.
• Quick Stationary Boundary: Quick Stationary Boundary is the Play Boundary by default. You can drag the vitual boundary on the floor to adjust it to the suitable size, and the boundary fence will be set based on the recommended height. The system will remember your selected Quick Stationary Boundary settings. Please note that this boundary is for stationary standing or sitting experiences only.
• Custom Boundary and Floor Level: If you require further customization to the Play Boundary or floor level, or if an app requires walking or rapid movements, you can click the "Custom Boundary" icon on the initial screen of the Play Boundary setup process to create a Custom Boundary.
  
• Please ensure that there are no obstacles and that you leave an adequate buffer space within your Play Boundary. We recommend a boundary area of at least 2 × 2 meters.
• If the system shows that the boundary area is too small, you may need to clear out more room to expand the boundary.

• For more settings, such as the detection sensitivity and Vibration Alert, go to "Settings" > "Safeguard" to customize your settings.

3. Additional Safety Guide
Other safety guides are available in connection with your use of the PICO device. You may access the Safety & Warranty Guide.